Gabriel Byrne - What would you like to talk about?Join the discussions!

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Quirke Series Announcement

Gabriel Byrne is to star in Quirke, a new Dublin-set BBC One noir series based on the Benjamin Black books of John Banville.

Byrne - To play the much-loved Quirke in series set in 1950s Dublin

Quirke is the chief pathologist in the Dublin City Morgue and is
described as "a charismatic loner whose job takes him into unexpected
places as he uncovers the secrets of sudden death in 1950s Dublin".

The press release announcing Byrne's casting says: "It's a rich and
smouldering world along whose smoky streets and damp alleys Quirke goes
from bars that glimmer with peat fires and whiskey to elegant Dublin
houses brimming with sexual tension. It's a time full of mystery,
secrets and intrigue."

The three feature-length episodes are a co-production between BBC
Drama Production and Dublin-based Element Pictures and Tyrone
Productions and are based on the Benjamin Black books Christine Falls, The Silver Swan and Elegy for April.

Commenting, Banville said: "I am very excited by the prospect of
seeing my character Quirke incarnated by Gabriel Byrne, a perfect
choice for the part. I know both Quirke and Benjamin Black will be
wonderfully served by Andrew Davies and Conor McPherson, two masters of
their craft."

John McColgan, Founding Director, Tyrone Productions said: "As a
friend and colleague of Gabriel Byrne over the years I am thrilled to
see him bringing the brilliant mercurial character of Quirke as created
by John Banville to screens worldwide. BBC Drama has brought an
incredible pool of writing talent to this project and I'm looking
forward to seeing their scripts going into production."

Ed Guiney, Executive Producer, Element Pictures added: "Noir Dublin
in the 50s seen through John Banville's eyes is such an appealing
prospect. And who better to go on the journey with than Gabriel Byrne.
We could not be more excited about being part of bringing this to the
screen with the BBC and Tyrone."